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Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

Savor the vibrant flavors of creamy pesto sauce combined with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta. This dish brings a comforting yet sophisticated touch to any meal, making it a must-try for pasta lovers.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces penne pasta cooked and drained
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 3/4 cup basil pesto
  • Salt pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to taste

Instructions

  • Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chicken pieces, followed by the onion powder, Italian seasoning, and Kosher salt. Stir frequently and cook the chicken until it’s golden on the outside and fully cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
  • Using the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until the garlic becomes aromatic.
  • Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the heavy cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese. Whisk the mixture thoroughly, ensuring everything blends smoothly. Keep cooking the sauce over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until it begins to thicken. This process should take around 5-10 minutes.
  • While waiting for the sauce to thicken, cook the penne pasta as directed on the package, then drain and set it aside.
  • Once the sauce has reached a creamy consistency, return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the prepared pasta and the basil pesto. Stir everything together and allow it to warm through.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding extra salt, pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes, as desired. For a final touch, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and serve. Enjoy!